Russian Embassies in Phnom Penh and Bangkok Call Reports “Fabricated,” Warn of Damage to Russia-Thailand Ties
PHNOM PENH / BANGKOK – H.E. Anatoly Borovik, the Russian Ambassador to Cambodia, has vehemently rejected reports in the Thai media alleging that Russian nationals are serving as mercenaries for Cambodia in the ongoing conflict with Thailand.
I. Russian Ambassador’s Rebuttal
Ambassador Borovik dismissed the claims during a press conference on the results of Russian foreign policy, held on December 16, 2025.
“A declaration by Thailand? There has never been such information. Therefore, there is no evidence whatsoever. If Thailand raises false information, we waste a lot of time. I have no comment,” he stated.
II. Statement from the Russian Embassy in Bangkok
Concurrently, the Russian Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, also released a statement clarifying that reports by some Thai media outlets, which assert that Russian nationals have been hired as mercenaries in the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, are untrue.
The Embassy further asserted that the information suggesting Russians are serving as mercenaries is likely fabricated by sources outside the region.
Russia’s Warning: The Embassy cautioned that such accusations could:
- Infringe upon the rights of Russian citizens currently in Thailand (as tourists or for business purposes).
- Damage the long-standing friendly relations between Russia and Thailand.
III. Russia’s Position on the Conflict
The Russian Embassy maintained that Russia upholds friendly and cooperative relations with both Cambodia and Thailand and supports a peaceful resolution to end the border dispute.
IV. Updated Humanitarian Impact Figures
The report also provided updated figures on the consequences of the Thai military’s actions, which commenced on December 7, 2025:
- Heavy Weapons Use: The Cambodian report noted that the Thai military has deployed heavy weapons, including bomber aircraft, targeting not only military forces but also civilians.
- Civilian Casualties (As of 2:00 PM, December 15, 2025):
- Killed: 15 people
- Injured: 73 people
- Displaced Persons: 409,293 people (including over 127,000 children who have fled their homes and schools).
Cambodia has welcomed international proposals for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but the Thai side has reportedly rejected those proposals.